Charter Committee & Directors
The people responsible for setting and upholding The Charter's standards, drawn from Member Organisations across the UK dog Training and Behaviourist sector.
Ainsley Procter
ChairA Level 6 COAPE-qualified behaviourist and APDT-assessed trainer with close to 20 years in practice, working alongside vets and allied professionals for a holistic approach to every case. Proud to chair a Charter built on shared standards that put dogs' welfare first.
Lorna Winter
Director & TreasurerDipCABT-qualified behaviourist and co-founder of the Zigzag puppy training app, downloaded more than 1.5 million times worldwide. Former ten-year Chair of the COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers, now focused on raising standards across the industry.
Visit Zigzag →
Karin Pienaar
Chair, Membership SubcommitteeA DipCABT and C.C.A.B.-qualified animal behaviourist and emotional wellbeing specialist with nearly 30 years' experience, and founder of MHERA™, a science-based methodology and app for assessing emotional wellbeing in animals. Leads The Charter's Membership Subcommittee.
Denise Armstrong
Director, APDTAn MSc-qualified professional and elected Chair of the APDT, the UK's largest and oldest not-for-profit dog training organisation, with over 30 years' involvement in dogs. Represents one of The Charter's founding Member Organisations.
Visit APDT →
Denise O'Moore
Director, INTODogsCertified behaviourist and trainer with two decades in the field, and Chair and Co-Director of the Association of INTODogs since 2020. Combines behaviour consultancy with canine bereavement support and creative education resources for the profession.
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Dayle Pierce
Director, PPGLong-standing Pet Professional Guild member since 2016, now serving on PPG's Board of Directors and co-leading its British Isles Chapter. Runs training business Canine Wizardry, with much of his work supporting shelter and rescue organisations.
Visit PPG →
Mark Bridger-Pescott
Director, INTODogsFounder of force-free training practice Bone Canis, with over 30 years' experience and certifications spanning INTODogs, the Pet Professional Guild British Isles, and the British College of Canine Studies. Serves as Vice-Chair and Co-Director of INTODogs.
Visit INTODogs →
Sarah Whiffen
Director, ACELead at Animal Centred Education (ACE) since 2026 and an ACE Instructor since the organisation's founding in 2018, with 20 years' industry experience including 15 years at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Teaches and co-ordinates ACE's certification and education programme.
Visit ACE at Tilley Farm →
Steve Mann
Director, IMDTFounder of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, author of ten dog training books including best-seller "Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy," and presenter of the BBC Maestro course "Dog Training with Steve Mann." Has taught seminars to trainers across Europe, the Middle East, China, Africa, and Australia.
Visit IMDT →
Victoria Stilwell
Director, VS AcademyA VSPDT and CDBC-certified, internationally known trainer and behaviour consultant, best known as creator and host of "It's Me or the Dog," reaching TV audiences in over 135 countries. Editor-in-Chief of Positively.com and founder of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior.
To find a trainer, visit Positively →
Wendy Wilson
Committee Member, CABTiOwner of COAPE International and a dog trainer for over 40 years, holding the COAPE Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training. Represents CABTi on the Charter Committee and is a strong advocate for industry regulation.
Visit COAPE →